A recent York Interdisciplinary Studies master’s graduate has been awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal for Academic Distinction.
Leva Rouhani working in the field
Leva Rouhani, who is now pursuing a PhD in Ottawa, was awarded for her master’s work, “Girls’ Schooling Experience in Frankadua, Ghana: A Case Study”. She was nominated by her committee and the graduate program director for having demonstrated “distinction in scholarship at York University”.
This thesis and its related field work serves as an exemplar for Interdisciplinary Studies – it was enacted, analyzed, written and defended at a PhD level, says Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Interdisciplinary Studies graduate program director.
Rouhani’s thesis explores the extent to which factors such as spatial dimensions, culture, and classroom practices contribute to gender inequality in the Ghanaian education system. She explored the interaction of these factors and examined the roles they play in undermining gender equity in Ghanaian schools.
Van Daalen-Smith says there are two awards per year, one at the master’s level and one at the doctoral level.
“The little program that we are now boasts the award winner for an MA,” says Van Daalen-Smith. “A big shout out to Leva’s supervisors for their interdisciplinary guidance and support, IS (Interdisciplinary Studies) thanks Minoo Derayeh, Pablo Idahosa and Livy Visano.”